Preseptal cellulitis and orbital wall destruction secondary to nasal cocaine abuse.
OBJECTIVE
To report preseptal cellulitis and orbital bone destruction as ocular manifestations of nasal cocaine abuse.


METHODS
Case report. We examined a 40-year-old male nasal cocaine abuser with diabetes mellitus and with signs of preseptal cellulitis. Computed tomographic imaging of the cranium was performed, and a nasal cavity biopsy specimen was obtained.


RESULTS
Computed tomographic findings showed extensive cartilaginous and bony destruction involving the nasal septum and medial wall of the left orbit, and the nasal biopsy specimen disclosed inflammatory exudate with neutrophils.


CONCLUSIONS
Nasal cocaine abuse induces mucoperichondrial ischemia and may be associated with cartilaginous and bony destruction as well as preseptal cellulitis.
Underdahl
J P
JP
Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Chiou
A G
AG
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009915:Orbit / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed